Melinda French Gates sets sights on reproductive rights

Melinda French Gates turns focus to reproductive rights in the U.S.

What you probably already know: Melinda French Gates has unveiled the first big initiative she’ll undertake now that she’s moved on from the Gates Foundation: $1 billion in support for people and organizations working on behalf of women and families around the world, with a special focus on reproductive health.

Why? While French Gates has spent years advocating and supporting this world world-wide, she notes in her op-ed for the New York Times that she is shifting focus back to the U.S. through her work at Pivotal Ventures. “In the post-Dobbs era, I now feel compelled to support reproductive rights here at home. For too long, a lack of money has forced organizations fighting for women's rights into a defensive posture while the enemies of progress play offense. I want to help even the match,” she wrote.

What it means: French Gates’ support for reproductive rights and women won’t be limited to the U.S., but this represents a bit of a shift back to the problems here at home, while she continues to work on issues like access to education for girls in Taliban-controlled areas and maternal health globally.

What happens now? In addition, French Gates is experimenting, as she puts it, by handing out $20 million each to 12 people she admires who will then set up grant-making operations around the issues important to them, all related to women and girls.

What do people who know Melinda think? Here are a few quotes from women who have worked with Melinda French Gates in the past:

“Melinda is truly humble and curious. She is a student, open-minded and constantly striving to set the right example for others. I am so excited to see how she focuses even more energy and resources toward accelerating equality for women and girls worldwide.” — Lisa Alvarez-Calderon, founder of Shine Consulting and former Gates Foundation Chief Human Resources Officer

“Through her advocacy and philanthropic efforts, she has played a pivotal role in advancing gender equity, health care access, and education opportunities for under-recognized communities. As Melinda Gates embarks on this new chapter, her legacy of advocacy and impact will undoubtedly endure.” — Susan Long-Walsh, founder of SLWA and former Gates Foundation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader: Talent Acquisition